The Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) is a comprehensive substance use treatment center being developed by Washington County.

The CATT Connection

DECEMBER 2022

CATT Champion Spotlight

Our work on the CATT is grounded in the knowledge that substance use touches all of us in different ways. As we’ve worked on the CATT project, many people have stepped forward and shared very personal stories with us about how they or their loved ones have been impacted by substance use. These stories have inspired us and emphasized the need to improve access to substance use care and treatment. We will be sharing stories from community members we call “CATT Champions.” Every CATT Champion has volunteered to have their story published in their own words. We hope these stories help to highlight the reason we are working hard to bring a substance use triage and treatment center to our community.

CATT Champion Johanna

I started drinking when I was 14 years old. What started out as the best feeling ever quickly spiraled out of control, and over the next 10 years I demolished my sense of self. When drinking I was trying to turn down the volume of my anxiety, traumas, and self-doubt. I unfortunately am not someone who can do anything “just a little” so when I drank, I drank a lot.

People had used the word “alcoholic” to describe me for years, even without seeing me at my worst. I was in denial for a long time and tried all the usual things to cut back, to no avail. I was forced to reckon with the idea that I might have to stop altogether. That was a terrifying conclusion, because how would I have fun? How would I be fun? (Spoiler: I was neither having fun nor being fun.)

My family played a big part in my decision to finally get and stay sober on February 26, 2016. The first two years of sobriety in Los Angeles were hard – it was like relearning how to be myself. I had to sit with all of these “new” feelings that weren’t actually new, they just hadn’t seen the light of day in years. I realized I didn’t know what kinds of things I liked to do anymore.

A friend suggested I get into social work, and it seemed silly at first, then exciting! I moved to Portland in 2021 with grad school as my goal. I got a job in residential substance use treatment and worked there for a year and a half. I had found my space. I have continued to work with the recovery population as well as folks with mental and behavioral health diagnoses. Currently I’m in school completing my Master of Social Work degree.

I wouldn’t choose this path for myself if I could have a do-over, but it has made me what I am today. And what I am today is a person I am proud of. I know myself much more deeply and truly. I know it is important to choose what I spend time doing and who I choose to spend time doing it with. The CATT will provide that important sense of community for people in all stages of recovery. Having a space with like-minded folks who have been through similar things has been really important for my recovery, and it’s very exciting to have a community like this being built!

Watch Johanna’s inspiring video, recorded as part of Washington County’s recent campaign to reduce stigma around substance use treatment.

Johanna talks about her recovery story and offers a message of hope

Here's a sneak peek at our new Community Services Building in Hillsboro.

2022 Was a Great Year for the CATT!

It was very fun for the project's leadership team to look back at this year and realize just how much work got done. We checked a lot of boxes with tremendous support from our Board of Commissioners, other county and local leadership, and so many community members. Here are some of the major accomplishments from 2022:

Developed the schematic design for both CATT buildings
Moved from project planning to operationalizing the CATT with full support from the Board of Commissioners
Purchased a building in Hillsboro for the CATT Community Services.
Received approval from the Board of County Commissioners to use a county-owned building in Beaverton for CATT Intensive Services
Launched a campaign to reduce stigma around substance use treatment that was viewed by thousands
Selected Holst Architecture to design the two buildings for the CATT
Selected CODA, Inc., as the service provider for the Intensive Services Building
Initiated a Public Safety Work Group which brought four law enforcement agencies into the CATT planning
Held three community meetings to give the community an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and share their feedback
Commenced the Community Engagement Advisory Committee
Developed the Community Engagement Strategic Plan

If you have been a part of our project's success we want to thank you! Your support is valued, encouraging and uplifting!

L to R: Sarah Vas and Kevin Valk with Holst Architecture review plans with Stuart Spafford, a Washington County capital improvements project manager.

Excitement Builds for 2023

We expect 2023 to be an exciting year indeed! A lot will happen as we see significant progress toward bringing the CATT to fruition. Much of the focus will be on finalizing the construction documents and obtaining permits to do the work. But we will also be working on the services side as well. Here are some of the key milestones we expect to reach:

Finalize design of both buildings including interior layouts and exterior facades
Develop plans for the peer services to be located in the Community Services Building
Select a general contractor to do the renovation of both buildings
Receive the completed construction documents from our architects and engineers
Continue working with first responders to develop a coordinated approach to supporting our community members
Apply for construction permits
Select service providers to provide health and housing services in the Community Services Building
Hold pre-construction open houses at each building to help the community understand the plans for the CATT

A lot of work will occur behind the scenes to reach these milestones. All of this work is to prepare for the major renovations of each building. By the end of 2023, we should be ready for groundbreaking!

Recovery and Community are Cornerstones of CODA's Approach to Services

This article is provided by CODA, Inc., who will operate the CATT's intensive services.

CODA is Oregon’s oldest program to treat substance use disorders. We were born in 1969 as part of the Oregon State Mental Health Division. Over the past 53+ years, CODA has created a broad network of services that support recovery. We operate 14 different programs at 10 sites, including residential, outpatient and Opioid treatment.

Once someone decides to begin treatment, CODA helps them learn how to build a healthy, sober lifestyle. It starts with committing to recovery and learning skills such as improving awareness, coping with stress, identifying triggers to use, and rebuilding relationships.

And no one can go it alone. CODA helps patients make connections with people in their community — people that can be there to help support their recovery.

CODA also recognizes that our own support network makes us stronger. Throughout our history, we have worked closely with many partners in the community, including:

Oregon county leadership - Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Clatsop, Tillamook, and Columbia
Health care providers - Central City Concern, Virginia Garcia Health Center, and OHSU Family Medicine
Community organizations - PDX Diaper Bank, Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon, People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture, and Portland Nursery
A variety of state and county corrections departments
Research groups - NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), and Portland State University (PSU)

We feel Washington County chose CODA to operate the CATT’s Intensive Services Building (ISB) for many reasons. CODA offers high-quality substance use disorder treatment that is focused on the patients. We have strong relationships with local partners and the County. And we are dedicated to improving the communities we serve. We do all of this by helping patients in their recovery from substance use disorder. The ISB and its services give CODA an exciting chance to expand our reach and impact in the communities we serve.

Visit our website for more information and to provide feedback.

See past editions of the CATT Connection newsletter.

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